Airport iconography: How do YOU find your ride??

It seems I’ve been taking the consistency of icons in airports for granted. Whether it is passport control, baggage claim, toilets or other services the icons always seems to “just makes sense.” Of course, a lot of work goes into that, work that is often overlooked. That’s especially relevant as new services are added at airports. Getting the icons “right” helps improve the passenger experience and ease the stress that often haunts air travel. San Francisco International Airport wants to do something about that, at least in one small area. The airport is seeking input to help standardize markings for app-based ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft, Didi and more.

Finding your Lyft/Uber can be challenges at times… UNLESS, all U.S. airports had a common icon/terminology to guide you to your ride. With your help, we can make this happen! Share your opinion. https://t.co/oFPrg9UdIp

The survey is pretty straightforward, touching on both the words used to describe these companies and – more importantly to me – the icon that could be used to help direct travelers to the designated pickup area at the terminal. Given how varied that setup is across various airports (Is it on arrivals or departures level? Is it in a separate area of a parking garage??) better signage is incredibly important. And this just might be a way to get us there.

Could one of these icons be the new default for directing passengers to ride-hailing app-based services at airports? Which would you pick?

3 Responses

Definitely the bottom image of the car on a cellphone screen. The others could easily be confused for a general meeting point, a place to find any type of car including a rental or parking shuttle or just a place for your friend or relative to pick you up when you call them.